Re-live the 1804-06 Lewis and Clark Expedition's 8,000-mile journey across western North America in the comfort of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center. Built into a scenic bluff with spectacular views of the Missouri River, the center's exhibits and ranger programs bring alive the indomitable spirit of exploration. Entry fee is $8.00, children under the age of 16 are free.
Start your indoor journey with the introductory video by acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns in the 158-seat theater with six wheelchair-accessible seats and open captioning. Then, join a ranger for a program or explore the many hands-on exhibits in the center operated by the USDA Forest Service since 1998.
The self-guided exhibit hall's centerpiece is the two-story diorama of the portage of the Missouri River's five great falls. Test your strength pulling a boat against the Missouri's current. Enhance your journey with a 30-minute audio tour available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Japanese. Or choose the optional 45-minute audio of actors portraying William Clark and George Shannon reminiscing 20 years after the expedition - available in English only.
The ultimate information source on the area's importance in the Lewis and Clark story, the center also offers a Junior Explorer program and children's summer camps. The center offers a grades K-12 education program October-May, by reservation.
The interpretive center chronicles the journey, as well as the important experiences with Plains and Northwest Indians. Learn details of the plants and animals the expedition documented. Feel the expedition's disappointment at the impossibility of a Northwest Passage water route.
Venture outdoors with a ranger, or explore trails on your own. Several are wheelchair accessible. Enjoy scenic overlooks and native landscaping. Signs along the trails focus on important roles landscape and wildlife played in the expedition's time in Montana. Take a trail to neighboring Giant Springs State Park, site of another historic landmark along the Lewis and Clark Trail.
Before you leave, buy a memento in the Portage Cache store operated by the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Association. Or sign up for one of the Association's Lewis & Clark Institute adventures.
Other center highlights: 100-seat outdoor amphitheater
Training/conference center for 90
Resource library and archives of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation
RV and bus parking
Rental for receptions and other special functions
Hours and Season of Operation:
Season: All Year Hours: Summer - May 22 - September 30 Daily: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Winter - October 1 - April 30 Tuesday - Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm Sunday: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Spring - May 1 - May 27 Monday - Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm Sunday: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Payment and Reservation Information:
Payment Methods:
American Express cash discover master Card
personal Check (In State) travelers Checks visa
Discount Types:
Group Discount Senior Citizens
Reservations:
Group Reservations Required Walk-Ins Welcome
Services Offered:
Air Conditioning books childrens Activities gift Shop handicapped Accessible instruction lewis And Clark maps merchandise parking pay Telephone public Restroom registered Historic Site store unescorted Tour
Activities Offered:
American Heritage childrens Activities education exhibit history lewis And Clark museum native Art sculpture storytelling theatre/Theater western Art wildlife Art
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center can be reached by following the brown Interpretive Center / State Park signs in Great Falls. 1/4 mile west of Giant Springs; 1.5 miles east of Black Eagle Dam.
Hours and Season of Operation:
Map and Driving Directions
Contact Info